In response to your feedback, we moved from Google Maps to ZeeMaps as our map creator. The program was picked for two reasons: to increase functionality and (hopefully) decrease technical issues. With a new map creator comes a different layout, but one in which we've been able to enrich detail and circumvent navigation glitches.

A major change readers will notice is the lack of map layers and the change in markers. Instead of using crime categories or color-coded legends, a picture will represent the types of crimes committed.

Here's the breakdown:

Tombstones: Homicides

Guns: Armed assaults

Boxing gloves: Unarmed assaults

Don't touch sign: Sexual crimes

Money bag: Robbery

Pill: Drug related arrests

Speed limit sign: Citations

Paw print: Animal cruelty

Flames: Fire

Readers can also click on each map marker to reveal a short summary of the story and a link to the original article. A mugshot of the person arrested has also been added to the applicable entries.

This map is not meant to be comprehensive. Some weeks mean hundreds of reports for the police department — many of which are mundane, some of which contain little information valuable to the public. Rather than clutter the tool with less serious offenses, I've narrowed our focus to include just the crimes highlighted by the Ledger-Enquirer.

Shortly after the end of each month, I'll post a comprehensive map accompanied with analysis. Until next week, give us feedback and let us know how we can improve the map. We'll be listening.

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